Lots of people think it would be great to depend solely on renewable energy rather than fossil fuels. But invariably, someone brings up the economic and technological feasibility of making the switch. It's just not possible, right?

Not so, says a newly published Stanford study in Energy. The research outlines a plan to completely switch to renewables by 2050, and includes rooftop solar cells, geothermal plants, and turbines that draw energy from ocean waves, tides, and of course, wind.

Although there would be high costs up front, the plan would bring upsides like a 44 percent reduction in power use and an addition of over 200,000 jobs, according to the study. In a press release, lead researcher Mark Z. Jacobson said, "If implemented, this plan will eliminate air pollution mortality and global warming emissions from California, stabilize prices and create jobs."

What would a renewable energy California look like? Electric cars would stream past solar-powered buildings, and maybe we'd finally be able to see the Hollywood sign. It's nice to imagine a future like that, but for now, we're remaining cautiously optimistic.

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